In preparation for the opening of school year 2022-2023, the annual Brigada Eskwela of the Department of Education (DepEd) and watchdog BAN Toxics partnered with San Antonio Elementary School (SAES) in Quezon City for the launch of a campaign on non-toxic, waste-free and safe school environments.
With “Tugon sa Hamon ng Ligtas na Balik-Aral” as Brigada Eskwela’s theme, almost 500 students, teachers and parents from nearby communities around SAES joined activities to raise awareness on the importance of toxic and waste pollution prevention in school and at home.
Antonio Miranda, SAES principal, said, “We partnered with BAN Toxics and other stakeholders for this year’s Brigada Eskwela to promote a safe and healthy environment for our students and teachers.”
The Toxics-Free Schools Program focuses on the toxic chemicals and wastes that might be found in schools. The hazardous chemicals include lead, mercury, phthalates, cadmium and arsenic, which pose serious health risks to children.
The program also promotes proper and sound waste management, both in school and at home.
As part of efforts to promote environmentalism, DepEd Order 52, s. 2011 was issued to strengthen environmental education in both public and private schools.
The order sought to integrate environmentalism in science subjects and encourage school activities to promote students’ participation in environmental activities.
The event culminated with a clean-up drive within the school vicinity, as well as repairing school facilities for the safety of students and teachers.